How to "Smart Update" an iPhoto Library Folder

Hi:
Searched the archives but didn't find a thread which quite addressed this exact scenario (but if there is one, please let me know):
I want to occasionally "Smart Update" the iPhoto Library folder on my wife's iMac, so that it matches the "master" iPhoto Library folder on my PowerMac, since any new pictures we take all get imported onto my machine -- first for editing (in PS Elements) and then organizing (extensive captioning, Keyword sorting, etc.) using iPhoto.
While I can simply copy the 8-9GB folder onto an external drive, then move that drive upstairs, connect it to the other machine, and copy that entire folder over while erasing the earlier version (all for the sake of say 50MB worth of new and/or modified images), it would obviously be much easier if I could just "Smart Update" (to use the SuperDuper! backup app term) the receiving folder so it matched the master one, and did that smart updating over my existing wireless AirPort network.
The iPhoto option of Sharing my master library is unfortunately too slow via the wireless network to be a practical alternative.
I know about the prohibitions against manually mucking around with any iPhoto Library folder via the Finder, but in this case, would a "Smart Updated" iPhoto Library folder function correctly (i.e. the same as the master folder from which it was "cloned"), or would additional "application support" files also have to be copied from the master machine?
I would do a test using my registered copy of SuperDuper!, but unfortunately it's a volumes-only solution. I've always wished that Apple's Finder offered a "Smart Update" option when copying folders to a location where a folder by the same name already exists (in Leopard -- please?), but failing that, what 3rd-party apps (freeware would be nice!) should I try to test out this workflow?
Thanks,
John Bertram
Toronto, Canada

John:
To add to TD's post, the Feb. issue of MacWorld has a review of several backup applications. I believe it is online at their site. This will work only if your wife does not make any changes, i.e. add new photos, delete photos or add albums, etc.
If you wife uses iPhoto for making slideshows, etc., your only option is to use iPhoto Library Manager to add new rolls to your wife's library like this.
Do you Twango?
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've written an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

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